Comprehensive Eye Exam

How should I prepare for a comprehensive eye exam?

After the age of 40, routine eye exams are critical to overall health. Many younger men and women come in for a comprehensive eye exam due to eye issues or a family history of eye disease.

Your eye exam can take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes to complete. You may receive eye drops during your appointment that will dilate your pupils, so it’s a good idea to clear your schedule for a few hours after your appointment time.

Come prepared to share the details of your medical record. A family history of eye issues is notable because some conditions have a genetic component.

What happens during a comprehensive eye exam?

An eye exam includes a test of visual acuity. It's the well-known test where you read letters from an eye chart from the largest to smallest font size.

The exam also includes a visual check of your pupils. The eye  Doctor uses a bright light to force your pupils to respond by constricting.

Additional tests include evaluations of side vision, eye movement, and the ability to track a moving object. If you need glasses or contact lenses, a device known as a phoropter helps determine the proper prescription.

Another common eye test is tonometry, which uses air or a special device to measure the pressure in your eyes. Numbing drops can make this part of the exam more comfortable.

A slit lamp helps the eye Doctor see the front portion of your eye. The magnification and illumination allow him to check for irregularities in your cornea, eyelid, lens, or iris.

Dilating drops help widen your pupil and provide visual access to your retina and optic nerve. After this portion of the exam, a few hours might pass before your eyes adjust and are no longer sensitive to light.  

What are some common eye diseases or conditions?

If our eye Doctors at Sanderson Eye Clinic observes signs of disease or degenerative conditions, additional testing may be required. The Doctor also charts the results of your exam, allowing them to track any changes over time.

Common eye problems and diseases include the following:

• Cataracts
• Refractive errors
• Retinal disorders
• Optic nerve disorders
• Macular degeneration
• Conjunctivitis
• Diabetic eye conditions

There are effective treatment options for many of these conditions if caught in the early stages. If you’re overdue for a comprehensive eye examination, call Sanderson Eye Clinic to book an appointment.